Captain Cook Cruise to Historic Ship Cove
Fully guided heritage and wildlife experience in the Marlborough Sounds
Step back in time on a relaxed, fully guided cruise through the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds to historic Ship Cove, one of New Zealandโs most important early meeting places.
Travel comfortably as your guide brings the story of Captain James Cook and early MaoriโEuropean encounters to life, sharing the history and meaning of Ship Cove in a way that is engaging, easy to follow, and never rushed. There is time to explore the monument, enjoy the coastal setting, and take in the atmosphere at your own pace.
Along the way, keep a gentle watch on the water. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds are often seen in these calm sounds, adding a memorable natural highlight to a day that blends history, scenery, and quiet discovery.
Why Youโll Love This Tour:
- Visit historic Ship Cove at a relaxed, unhurried pace
- Cruise through calm, sheltered waters where dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds are often seen
- Fully guided from start to finish, with everything taken care of
- Enjoy clear, engaging storytelling about the history of the area
- Cruise through the Sounds โ calm waters, no seasickness guaranteed
- Comfortable experience with fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere
- Travel responsibly and support conservation in the Marlborough Sounds
- Small group experience with personal attention throughout the day
Tour info in brief
| 4 hours | |
| Daily Departures: |
8.00 AM, 1.30 PM |
| Pricing: | Adult: $168 (16+ years) Child: $84 (5 – 15 years) Infant: $42 (0 – 4 years) |
| Location: | 1 Wellington Street , Picton |
| Briefing: | 7.45 AM, 1.15 PM |
No Seasickness Guarantee
Relax in the knowledge that youโll be with the only NZ operator that guarantees you will not get seasick.
HELP Save the Endangered Species (Taonga)
See how your money gets used for Local Conservation
About the Tour
Enjoy a relaxed, fully guided cruise through the calm, sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, an area well known for its peaceful conditions and abundant marine life.
Along the way, your guide will help you spot dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds, while sharing stories about the natural environment and the history of the Sounds.
Welcome to Ship Cove
On arrival at historic Ship Cove (Meretoto), youโll step ashore and explore this remarkable location at an easy, unhurried pace. There is time to wander through native forest, visit the monument, read the interpretation panels, and simply enjoy the scenery. Seating is available, making this a comfortable and enjoyable place to pause, reflect, and take it all in.
Hear the Stories
Your guide brings the history of Ship Cove to life through engaging storytelling, sharing how Maori and European explorers first met here, and why this place remains so important in New Zealandโs story. If you wish, there is also the option of a short, gentle stroll to a nearby waterfall, which feeds the freshwater creek used by early visitors to the cove.
As the day winds down, youโll return to the boat and relax on the cruise back to Picton with a hot drink and cookies. On the journey home, enjoy a complimentary tasting of local Marlborough wine , a fitting end to a comfortable and memorable day on the water.
How to Book
If youโd like to book this experience you can book online or weโre always happy to talk things through by phone.ย You can chat to our Picton team on 03 573 8040.
What people are saying about us
What to expect
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A comfortable, fully guided cruise through the calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, with opportunities to see dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the way.
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Time ashore at historic Ship Cove to explore the monument, native forest, and interpretation panels at a relaxed pace.
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Engaging storytelling from your guide, sharing the history and significance of Ship Cove and its place in Aotearoaโs early story.
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A gentle, unhurried visit designed for comfort, with seating available at Ship Cove.
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A relaxing cruise back to Picton with a hot drink and cookies, plus a complimentary tasting of local Marlborough wine.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers and a light waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera or phone for photos
- Refillable water bottle (free filtered water available before departure)
Where are we?
We are located conveniently on Pictonโs main waterfront with car parking close by and only a 1-minute walk from the main street.
Just look for the Dusky Dolphin outside our shop.
Before your tour starts feel free to take a seat inside the shop or outside on our sun drenched deck and enjoy the stunning views.
Customers can also get online with our free WiFi, and purchase a tea or coffee to enjoy on the deck.
You will Never Miss your Ferry
Our tour schedules are integrated with the Interislander – so there is no chance that you’ll miss your ferry.